Abstract: A method of making a liquid crystal alignment layer comprising the steps of: (i) providing a layer on a substrate, the layer comprising a polythiophene according to formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent hydrogen or a C1-C4 alkyl group or together represent a C1-C4 alkylene group or a cycloalkylene group; and (ii) mechanically rendering the layer liquid crystal aligning; a liquid crystal alignment layer obtainable by the above-mentioned method; a liquid crystal device incorporating the above-mentioned liquid crystal alignment layer; a liquid crystal display comprising the above-mentioned liquid crystal alignment layer or the above-mentioned liquid crystal device; and the use of the polythiophene according to formula (I) for aligning liquid crystals.

Abstract: An offset printing ink is provided which comprises a colophony-modified phenolic resin and at least one component selected from the group consisting of (A) a maleic resin, (B) a modified hydrocarbon resin, (C) a colophony resin ester and mixtures thereof. The ink further comprises a water-insoluble fatty acid ester of a multivalent alcohol which has a high steric spatial requirement, and/or ethinol.